Financial help

A number of grants and financial aid bodies can help students experiencing financial difficulties when studying at third-level institutions.

Full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. The SAF is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

Grants

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland's national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. Check the SUSI Eligibility Reckoner for further information.

Useful sites in relation to grants and funding

• Studentfinance.ie is a source of information on financial support for further and higher education
• Irish Council for International Students provides information on studying and living in Ireland for international students
• Certain students may be eligible for Back To Education Allowances for full-time courses
• General information on funding may also be found on the Citizens Information Board website
• Some Credit Unions may offer competitive loan rates for education